Launched earlier today, the new Realme 2 Pro is hailed as a contender that could challenge Xiaomi’s dominance, and in our review the new Realme device definitely proved to pack a punch. A faster processor, a hefty 8GB of RAM and an advanced imaging hardware are all upgrades brought by the Realme 2 Pro, but is the device’s camera performance really worth the hype or is it just another budget dual-camera smartphone? Let’s find out.
Realme 2 Pro: Imaging Hardware
Realme 2 Pro is a 16MP + 2MP dual rear cameras Using a Sony IMX398 CMOS sensor with a 6-element lens and F1.7 aperture. The rear camera setup features Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), a feature that aims to minimize blur and compensate for shake while recording video. There is a 16MP sensor on the front. It has an aperture of F2.0.
On paper, the Realme 2’s imaging hardware looks pretty promising, but when it comes to delivering on that promise, it’s a whole different story.
Daylight Photography
Realme 2 Pro catches some Good quality images with sufficient detail, vivid colors and sufficient depth in daylight. But there are a few issues that prevent daylight shots from being called truly impressive, and these drawbacks have a lot to do with the smartphone’s image processing.
Before anything else, daylight shots show a lot of overexposure which fades colors a bit and makes objects appear too bright. While the added lighting can assist in capturing more detailed images in low light, it degrades the quality of clicked photos in well-lit outdoor conditions.
The problem of overexposure is particularly evident in images with a rich color profile, as overexposure and overbrightening effects not only affect overall color reproduction, but also cause photos to appear dull.
As you can see in the comparison shots above, when it comes to daylight-clicked photos, the images captured by the Mi A2 are better at color retention. Also, when the object in focus is a human subject, The Realme device tends to lighten and significantly smooth the skin tone even when a beautification filter is not applied.
Low Light Shots
Realme 2 Pro may lag behind its rivals in daytime photography, but The device excels when it comes to capturing images in low-light conditions, especially under dim, artificial light. The Realme smartphone’s tendency to shine, thanks to the wider f/1.7 aperture, is put to good use here, as not only does the subject look more vibrant, but there’s significantly more detail. However, there is a lot of noise in outdoor photos clicked at night.
One thing you’ll notice when comparing the Realme device to the likes of the Xiaomi Mi A2 and Redmi Note 5 Pro is this: In low light conditions, Realme 2 Pro retains more depth and offers a much better color profile than its competitors. Low-light shots come out crisper and clearer than those clicked by other devices in its price range.
Portrait Pictures
When it comes to bokeh or portrait shots, the Realme 2 Pro takes some good shots, but the lighting situation plays a big part in how the final image comes out.
For example, Portrait shots clicked in broad daylight still suffer from overexposure The aforementioned wash of true colors to make images appear brighter. This trend negatively affects color saturation, which makes portrait shots look a little washed out.
In the case of clicking portrait shots indoors with dim lighting conditions, the Realme 2 Pro performs quite well, offering photos with greater depth of field effect, better colors and more details.
However, the biggest gripe I have with the Realme 2 Pro is this: the blur effect produced by the image processing algorithm is not that accurate. The edges separating the foreground and background are not very well defined and the device often accidentally blurs part of the object in focus, which is a big red flag. However, the false blur effect is only noticeable on images clicked in broad daylight.
selfies
When it comes to the performance of the front camera, I am confused whether to rate the Realme 2 Pro as a capable selfie machine or as a machine that fails to deliver on its promise. Before anything else, the over-rendering effect of the device comes to play it againe, which means selfies are overly bright, so skin tone looks lighter than it actually is and there is also a lot of smoothing without even applying any beautification effects.
On the one hand, while some people ridicule the overexposure and loss of color accuracy, others would really like the image processing, especially for selfies taken in dim light. But one thing is certain, It would be difficult to capture the actual skin tone of the subject in selfies taken with the Realme 2 Pro.
videography
The Realme 2 Pro is capable of recording 4K, FullHD, and HD videos at 30FPS, and to be honest, at this price point, I have absolutely no reservations about the lack of the ability to record video at 60FPS. That said, the Realme 2 Pro can record some decent quality videos, provided you use a tripod or have really firm hands. Why?
Well, there is no Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to compensate for blurring caused by random hand movements, and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) in the Realme 2 Pro can only help you with your videography work to a limited extent.
Decision? Alright, videos capture a decent amount of detail, blur and shake has just too much for my tasteand too much grainy texture and faulty color reproduction. Take a look at the video recording examples to decide for yourself.
Realme 2 Pro FullHD Video Recording Example
Realme 2 Pro 4K Video Recording Example
Realme 2 Pro Camera Review: How Is It Paid?
As a result, the Realme 2 Pro turns out to be: good enough player in our photo test. Daylight photography is certainly not the Realme 2 Pro’s strength, but it makes up for the lack of low-light photography and delivers impressive bokeh shots in dimly lit indoor conditions.
But overall, I would have preferred the Xiaomi Mi A2 as a more capable display device, but that doesn’t mean the Realme 2 Pro is below par. In terms of overall value, which includes aesthetics, performance and battery performance, the Realme 2 Pro is a truly attractive smartphone.
So, in the end, this is your call. If photography is the only criterion, go for the Mi A2. But considering an all-round smartphone experience and value for money, the Realme 2 Pro is a great option with decent cameras.
Buy Realme 2 Pro from Flipkart: (It starts at Rs. 13,990)
